Wednesday: Bumper stickers for SFN. Small talk. Some tech talk and then there was more small talk. Science fiction TV shows and favorite authors were discussed. Cars were discussed, too. Oh, and Mab gets the astronomy and humor folders to moderate…

“Smith argues for a rethinking of the proper role of mathematics in education. Our emphasis on pure mathematics for all students is misguided, he maintains, and has not worked. Our students would be more successful if they were trained in practical mathematics — the math that is of direct practical use in everyday life that is geared to each individual career choice. Instead of traditional mathematics courses, students should work on solving complex problems, problems that draw on knowledge from different disciplines and are more closely connected to experiences they will face as citizens. Smith argues that the pure mathematics that is currently being taught should be offered only as an elective course, for those students especially interested in pursuing mathematics or a related discipline as a career.”

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